It is difficult to believe that Oakwood Creative Care Clubs have been closed since March 23rd.  We’ve been through so much as a society in just over two months’ time. All of us at Oakwood are so thankful for those who have stayed in touch with us, participated in online classes, donated, and for your patience as we work through this challenging time. I wanted to take a moment to share our hearts and plans for re-opening our clubs.

Hopefully, in the next two weeks or so, we’ll have an official re-opening date to share with everyone. Currently, we’re working with an infectious disease expert who is walking through all of our processes, scenarios, and options to ensure that we can re-open with as little risk as possible. This virus is sneaky; we now live in a world where there is a risk just going to the grocery store or taking in a delivery package. We’re determining the best ways to balance the importance of quality of life and experiencing joy, with living life in the safest way possible.  We’re doing everything in our power to respond in a responsible, safe, and reasonable manner.

When our clubs do re-open, things will look a bit different.  We appreciate everyone who responded to our recent survey, which told us that 50% of you are ready to come back and willing to be flexible in what things will look like. Our contracted entities (such as Medicaid, the Area Agency on Aging, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Health Services) are working with us to review our contractual obligations and determine which of them are safe to continue at this time, or where we may need to make exceptions until we can offer them safely or with a reduced risk. Some of these areas may include public transportation, meals, showers, nursing services, and more.

So, stay tuned for more information as we get closer to finalizing plans.  We miss you all SO much and we can’t wait to be together again. Stay safe, be well, and enjoy today.

Sherri Friend
President and CEO
Oakwood Creative Care